Vusal Gasimli, Executive director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, met with the delegation led by executive director Rachel Thompson, representing 11 countries, including Azerbaijan, in the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Vusal Gasimli firstly gave detailed information about the economic reforms implemented in Azerbaijan, as well as the activities of the Center. He said that ADB's Country Partnership Strategy for 2019-2023, which aims to develop the private sector, increase the efficiency of the public sector, improve infrastructure and strengthen human capital, is closely aligned with the strategic road maps of the government of Azerbaijan. He added that ADB's new Country Partnership Strategy for 2024-2028 is aligned with the "Socio-economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026". IITKM, which monitors and evaluates both strategic road maps and socio-economic development strategy, closely cooperates with ADB in this regard. In particular, the implementation of the "Great Return" program, as well as the prominence of digital and green solutions, opens a new page in cooperation with ADB. According to V. Gasimly, there are wide opportunities for cooperation in the fields of structural reforms, as well as result-based budget and program management. Saying that Azerbaijan has made a great contribution to cooperation within the framework of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program since 2003, V. Gasimli also emphasized the importance of strengthening the infrastructure of the Middle Corridor in the new geopolitical conditions.

Rachel Thompson expressed her satisfaction with mutual cooperation with Azerbaijan. He said that he had previous work experience in Azerbaijan and was closely familiar with the conditions created for the comprehensive development of the country. The executive director of ADB emphasized that he visited Agdam in order to get acquainted with the rapid reconstruction and reconstruction works carried out in the territories freed from occupation and appreciated the works carried out there. Mrs. Thompson said that the institution she represents is interested in expanding relations with Azerbaijan in many directions, including public-private partnership, investments and human capital development, as well as environmental protection.